Politics · United States · 8 hrs ago
US security chief defends proposed livestream of Nidal Hasan execution
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended a Pentagon plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan.
Hasan, a former US Army major, was convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009.
He is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3.
Mullin says he sees no increased security risk from broadcasting the execution.
Critics, including Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, warn it could give Hasan unwanted attention or help extremist groups with propaganda.
President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether the execution will be livestreamed.
If it goes ahead, it would be the first public execution in the United States in almost a century.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the Pentagon’s plan to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution, saying he does not see an elevated security risk.
Hasan, a former US Army major, is due to be executed by firing squad on December 3 for killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009.
The plan, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has drawn criticism from lawmakers who warn it could fuel radicalisation or make Hasan a martyr.
President Donald Trump has approved the execution and supports livestreaming it, but has said he will make the final decision.
- Who
- Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan.
- What
- The Pentagon plans to livestream Hasan’s execution by firing squad. Trump has not made a final decision on the livestream.
- When
- The execution is scheduled for December 3, 2026.
- Where
- Fort Hood, a military base in Texas, was the site of Hasan’s 2009 attack. The planned execution method is a firing squad; its location is Not stated.
- Why
- The administration says Hasan is being punished for killing 13 people at Fort Hood. Mullin said the punishment should fit the crime.
Supporters of the livestream plan
Critics of the livestream plan
Security risk
Supporters of the livestream plan
Mullin said he does not see an elevated risk.
Critics of the livestream plan
Mark Warner said a public execution could increase national security risks and fuel radicalisation.
Public impact
Supporters of the livestream plan
Mullin said people do not have to watch if they choose not to.
Critics of the livestream plan
Lisa Murkowski said the livestream could give Hasan the martyrdom he seeks.
Hasan killed 13 people at Fort Hood.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon’s plan to livestream Hasan’s execution.
Vice President JD Vance said he would not watch if the execution were livestreamed.
Trump said there were two schools of thought on livestreaming and that he would make the final decision.
Mullin defended the plan and said he did not see an elevated risk.
Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad.
- Convicted man
- Nidal Hasan, a former US Army major
- Attack
- 2009, Fort Hood, Texas
- People killed
- 13
- Planned execution
- Firing squad, December 3, 2026
- Livestream decision
- Trump has said he will make the final decision
What people are saying
I don't see an elevated risk,
It would give this individual, who deserves no further notoriety, the martyrdom he seeks,
Beyond the profound moral concerns, a public execution could hand terrorist organizations a propaganda victory, fuel radicalization, and put American service members, diplomats, and citizens overseas at greater risk,
I'll make a decision, ultimately.
Posts on X
There is no need to livestream any execution, including this one. I would expect this from terrorists and dictators, but not here in America. It would give this individual, who deserves no further notoriety, the martyrdom he seeks. How we carry out justice matters just as much as
The Fort Hood shooting was a horrific act of violence that took 13 innocent lives and devastated military families. The perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to death, and nothing changes the gravity of his crimes. But there is a fundamental difference between carrying out a
Sources
Related news
Elon Musk gives more than $276 million to help Republicans in midterms
Judge halts tree removal at Washington golf course project
Federal agents search Ilhan Omar’s Washington home in criminal investigation
Judge orders halt to taxpayer-funded ads promoting Trump
Johnson says he would stay on as House GOP leader if party loses majority
Kansas Senator Pays Six-Year-Old Campaign Bakery Bill
Vance doubts plan to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution
Trump names Katie Zacharia as White House press secretary
Trump has not decided whether to livestream Nidal Hasan’s execution
US Justice Department investigates networks over White House coverage pause
